What is Safe Zone?
Safe Zone is a 3-hour training hosted by the W Counseling Center where faculty, staff, and students can learn “about LGBTQIA+ identities, gender and sexuality and examine prejudice, assumptions and privilege.” At these trainings faculty, staff, and students can decide to become an Ally.
Who is an Ally?
A Safe Zone Ally considers themselves to be open and knowledgeable about LBTQIA+ issues. They choose to openly provide support and advocate for the population. Allies have gone through Safe Zone training and have agreed to serve as a Safe person and a safe space for students who identify as LGBTQIA+. Allies can be identified by a visible placard either on their door or within their workspace.
Current Faculty & Staff Allies
- Dr. Dorothy Berglund, Psychology & Family Studies, EDHS/Room 327, dmberglund@muw.edu
- Nichole Larson, Library Services, Fant Memorial Library, nalarson@muw.edu, 662-329-7340
- Karen Clay, University Counsel, Welty-President’s Office, kgclay@muw.edu, 662-329-7100
- Rachael Damms, Library Associate-Public Services, Fant Memorial Library, redamma@muw.edu, 662-329-7332
- Kimberly Davis, Counseling Center, 324 11th Street South, kmdavis@muw.edu, 662-329-7748
- Jessica Harpole, Vice President of Student Affairs, Cochran Hall, jjharpole@muw.edu, 662-329-7130
- Robin R. Holliman, Library Services, Fant Memorial Library, rrholliman@muw.edu, 662-329-7333
- Erin Holloway, Department of Languages, Literature, & Philosophy, Painter Hall/Room 104, echolloway@muw.edu
- Susan Hurley, Music Department, Poindexter Hall/Room 108, slhurley@muw.edu
- Dr. Holly Krogh, Psychology & Family Studies, EDHS/Room 326, hrkrogh@muw.edu, 662-241-7760
- Dr. Andrew Luccasen, College of Business & Professional Studiesm, Reneau Hall/Room 204, raluccasen@muw.edu
- Nora Miller, President, nrmiller@muw.edu, 662-329-7100
- Andrew Moneymaker, Housing, Cochran Hall/Room 212, amoneymaker@muw.edu, 662-241-6339
- Dr. Julia Mortyakova, Department Chair, Professor of Music, Poindexter Hall, jvmortyakova@muw.edu, 662-241-6399
- Dr. Bonnie Oppenheimer, Sciences & Mathematics, Parkinson Hall/Room 110, bloppenheimer@muw.edu, 662-329-7376
- Hilary Richardson, Library Services, Fant Memorial Library, hhrichardson@muw.edu, 662-329-7334
- Rich Sobolewski, Director of Web Communication, Stovall House, resobolewski@muw.edu 662-329-7120
- Dr. Deb Wells, Counseling Center, 324 11th Street South, dkwells@muw.edu, 662-241-6353
- Dr. Ross Whitwam, Professor of Sciences and Mathematics, 201-B Parkinson, rewhitwam@muw.edu, 662-329-7298
- Ken Widner, Internal Audit, Cromwell Hall/Room 181, kwidner@muw.edu, 662-329-7021
How to Become an Ally?
Attend Safe Zone Training, which typically takes place during the Fall Semester.
Safe Zone Refreshers are offered to Allies during the Spring Semester. Spring Date to be announced.
How Can I Help with Safe Zone?
You can help with Safe Zone by becoming a volunteer. Volunteers may assist with presentations, activities during training and/or serve on the panel as a panelist. Please contact the W Counseling Center at 662-329-7748 if you are interested in volunteering.